How Using the Cloud Can Increase Productivity

2 weeks ago

by Dan Munson

Cloud technology gives business owners a chance to become more productive while controlling expenses. By making data and powerful applications available to companies of every size, the cloud can help almost any business in the following ways.

Reduced IT requirements.

Cloud providers deliver applications via web
browsers and dedicated apps through secure internet connections. Consequently,
even the most powerful software can run on practically any device. This reduces
the need for companies to maintain expensive equipment that requires repeated
upgrades.

Likewise, tasks that in-house IT personnel
once did are performed by service providers. So, rather than wasting time
installing software upgrades and patches, businesses can focus on their core
competencies.

Security.

As technology evolves, the online security
landscape has become increasingly complicated. Hackers routinely compromise
networks operated by large corporations and government agencies. With so much
to worry about, small businesses were once at a disadvantage. Now, they can secure their data in the cloud.

Thanks to economies of scale, service
providers can afford to maintain cutting-edge servers and routers that are
resistant to the latest cyber attacks. Also, they employ top-notch security
experts that know how to implement the best security protocols and best
practices.

Affordability.

Traditional IT infrastructure and staffing
often costs more than many businesses can afford. In the past, this constituted
a barrier to entry that kept many high-quality small players on the sidelines.

Now, firms can budget IT expenses as a line
item in their budget. Meanwhile, they never have to worry about server outages
and other unexpected expenses. In other words, companies that depend on the
cloud experience less down time will paying less for world-class software and
services.

Human Resources

Companies can save a lot of money by using
remote workers such as freelancers and contractors rather than traditional
employees. Cloud-based project management, collaboration, and communication
tools allow people from around the world to work together as though they were
in a corporate office.

Also, the cloud frees companies from the
constraints of their local labor market. Businesses can scour the entire planet
looking for the talent that best fits their needs. Also, when workers leave an
employer, they can fill out their employee exit interview questions
securely in the cloud.

Flexibility

Traditionally, business software is expensive
and designed for a particular industry and market. For this reason, companies
often lacked the necessary finances to keep pace with evolving economic
conditions and customer expectations.

Thanks to the cloud, businesses pay for their
services on a subscription basis. This means that in as little as a month, a
company can completely change its business model without any substantial
upfront IT costs.

Survivability

Remember when businesses would grind to a halt
after a hard drive failed or a server fell victim to a virus? Together with
fire, theft, and natural disasters, those circumstances could permanently
cripple a company. Now, companies can increase their survivability by embracing
the cloud.

Rather than storing applications and their
data on local hard drives, cloud-based apps reside offsite. So, even when
employees lose their laptops or smartphones, their employer can continue
operating without interruption. In the cloud, service providers use redundant
systems and routine backups to protect against service outages and data loss.

Competitiveness

Companies that depend on the cloud for their
IT infrastructure and software benefit
from efficiency gains that help them compete. For example, cloud mobility
ensures that every team member can be productive regardless of where they are.

Ultimately, when companies can do more with
fewer resources, they gain an edge over their less-efficient competitors. They
also enjoy higher profits that can fuel sustainable long-term growth.

In summary, the cloud can positively impact
the productivity of a business by reducing upfront operational costs, boosting
security and improving efficiency. As technology continues evolving businesses
will find new ways to use the cloud to become more productive and profitable.